Alfa Romeo has "reclaimed" its midfield position - Vasseur

Alfa Romeo team principal Fred Vasseur believes the team has the ability to score points on pure pace at Imola after "a strong indication of progress" at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In the season-opener, Alfa Romeo showed promising pace with Kimi Raikkonen finishing narrowly behind 10th place Lance Stroll. The result is a stark contrast to the previous year's result when the team was capable only of finishing in front of Haas and Williams.

“It gave us a strong indication of the progress we have made in the last twelve months," said Vasseur.

"We raced with authority, leaving the Alpines and an Aston Martin behind us and finishing on the tail of the other Aston.

"Even though we left Bahrain with no points, we did having reclaimed our place in the midst of the midfield – and results will surely come soon."

Upon Imola's return to the calendar last year, Alfa Romeo secured its only double points finish of the season.

With form at the venue, Vasseur is hoping to continue within the midfield battle but indicated a high attrition rate may be crucial for the team's chances.

"We demonstrated [an ability] to fight in and around the top ten and we can look with optimism to the rest of the season," he added.

"It was an eventful race, even though the low attrition rate – just two retirements – meant we had our work cut out when aiming for a place in the points.

"We take a lot of positives, however, knowing we can go to the next race in Imola, in two weeks, ready to battle again for a place in the top ten.”

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